2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Skating Grand Finale: Japan Sweep or Petrosian Surprise?
The women’s figure skating event at the Milan-Cortina Games has turned into one of the most compelling storylines of the tournament. At just 17, Ami Nakai stunned the field by leading after the short program, shaking up expectations and setting up a dramatic free skate showdown. With Japan already dominating figure skating at these Games, the possibility of a historic podium sweep is now very real — though Adeliia Petrosian remains a potential spoiler.
2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Event Takes Unexpected Turn
The International Skating Union’s decision to raise the minimum age from 15 to 17 was expected to mark the end of teenage Olympic sensations. However, Ami Nakai had other plans. The youngest competitor in the women’s field delivered a season-best 78.71 in the short program, opening with a clean triple Axel and building momentum throughout her routine.
Entering the Games with a season-best of 78.00 and limited global exposure, Nakai was not considered the headline favorite. Ranked lower, she skated 18th out of 29 competitors — far earlier than most medal contenders. Yet like other breakout performers at these Games, she rose from the middle order to seize control. Her energetic and joyful performance earned a standing ovation and instantly reshaped the medal race.
Japan’s Medal Momentum at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Japan has been one of the standout nations in figure skating. After narrowly losing team gold to the United States, they rebounded strongly across disciplines.Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato secured silver and bronze in the men’s event after favorite Ilia Malinin failed to medal. Meanwhile, in pairs, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara climbed from fifth after the short program to capture gold with a flawless free skate.
The women’s standings also reflect Japan’s strength, with three skaters holding strong positions heading into the final.Three-time world champion and reigning Olympic bronze medalist Kaori Sakamoto sits second with 77.23 points, while Mone Chiba is fourth with 74.00. Only American Alysa Liu, currently third with 76.59, has broken Japan’s dominance near the top. A podium sweep remains possible heading into the free skate.
Adeliia Petrosian Eyes Free Skate Comeback
Adeliia Petrosian delivered a career-best 72.89 in her Olympic debut, placing fifth and staying within reach of the podium. Performing to a Michael Jackson medley, she produced a composed and technically solid routine.
The 18-year-old, a three-time national champion, is competing in only her second senior event outside her home country. Her participation followed clearance under eligibility guidelines confirming no links to military or political support. Petrosian trains at Moscow’s Sambo 70 club, known for producing elite skaters, and enters the free skate as a serious medal contender.
Conclusion
The women’s final promises high drama. Ami Nakai’s breakout performance has shifted momentum toward Japan, which already boasts multiple medals in figure skating at these Games. With Sakamoto and Chiba also in strong positions, a historic sweep is within reach. However, with Alysa Liu and Adeliia Petrosian close behind, the free skate will ultimately decide whether Japan completes its dominance or if a late surprise reshapes the podium.
FAQs
Ami Nakai of Japan leads with 78.71 points.
Yes, with three skaters in the top four, a podium sweep is possible.
Yes, her fifth-place score keeps her within reach ahead of the free skate.
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